Favor

In the biblical context, "favor" often refers to the grace, kindness, or goodwill that God or individuals bestow upon others. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, signifying divine approval and blessing. The Hebrew word often translated as "favor" is "chen," while the Greek equivalent is "charis."

1. Divine Favor: God's favor is depicted as a source of protection, provision, and guidance. In Genesis 6:8, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, which led to his preservation during the flood. Similarly, in Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have requested, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name."

2. Favor and Righteousness: Favor is often associated with righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man."

3. Favor in the New Testament: The New Testament continues the theme of favor, particularly through the grace offered by Jesus Christ. Luke 2:52 notes, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This favor is extended to believers through faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God."

4. Human Favor: Favor is not only divine but can also be human. It involves gaining approval or kindness from others, as seen in the account of Esther, who found favor in the eyes of King Xerxes (Esther 2:17).

Life

The concept of "life" in the Bible encompasses both physical existence and spiritual vitality. It is a central theme that underscores the relationship between God and humanity.

1. Creation and Physical Life: Life begins with God's creative act. Genesis 2:7 describes how God formed man from the dust and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, making him a living being. This act signifies that life is a divine gift.

2. Spiritual Life: Beyond physical existence, the Bible emphasizes spiritual life, which is characterized by a relationship with God. In John 10:10, Jesus declares, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This abundant life is not merely about longevity but about a quality of life rooted in spiritual truth and communion with God.

3. Eternal Life: The promise of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian faith. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Eternal life is the ultimate expression of God's favor, granted through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Life and Obedience: The Bible often links life with obedience to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 urges, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him."

5. Resurrection and New Life: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of new life for believers. Romans 6:4 explains, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life."

In summary, favor and life are deeply interconnected in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire to bless humanity with both temporal and eternal blessings through a relationship with Him.